Former Ghanaian international and current FC Nordsjaelland assistant coach, Michael Essien, recently opened up about his transition from a celebrated player to a budding coach, and his thoughts on the evolution of modern football.
Essien, who began his coaching journey before hanging up his boots, shared his insights into the challenges and rewards of his new career path.
"I started working on my coaching badges before I stopped playing, so once I retired, I could dive into coaching. It's very different, but of course, sometimes I miss playing. But once you're done, you're done," the 41-year-old coach explained.
The former Chelsea star also expressed a sense of nostalgia coupled with admiration for the current style of play in football.
"I would have loved to play with today's players, especially with the emphasis on playing from the back and technical skills," he said, reflecting on how the game has evolved since his playing days"
During his prime, Michael Essien was revered as one of the world's top midfielders, known for his defensive solidity, fierce tackling, and the ability to score spectacular long-range goals.
His illustrious playing career saw him represent elite clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and AC Milan. On the international stage, Essien earned 59 caps for Ghana, netting nine goals.
